THE European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) has commenced training of legal officers of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Police Commands in South-East on prosecution of electoral offences.

The Project Coordinator of ECES in Nigeria, Mr Rudolf Elbling, said in Enugu on Monday that the training was to equip the legal officers on the need to strengthen the electoral process through diligent prosecution of electoral offenders.

Elbling, represented by Maria Mauro, the Senior Election Expert (Legal) of ECES, said that most violence in election could be linked to electoral malpractices, which remained unchecked and unquestioned.

He added that “any unchecked electoral offences can lead to destruction of materials, harming of electoral officers and even death.

“At times in some countries as we have seen, it can lead to monumental destruction and wanton killings.

“This is why the ECES and the European Union is concerned and is dedicated toward eliminating electoral malpractices.

“It is highly necessary in the electoral development of any country.”

He said that the training would look at electoral offences holistically by identifying the various actors involved in the negative practice, as well as the kind of offences they engaged in.

“We will look at all the statutory laws, especially the Police Act and find ways to enforce these laws where they exist,’’ he added.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commission, Mr Emeka Ononamadu, said that the training would strengthen the capacity of legal officers to prosecute electoral offenders and improve the electoral process in general.

He said “the gains and principle of prosecution is all about strengthening the electoral institution and process.

“I believe that this training will help to equip officers and uphold the integrity and sanctity of both electoral process and results in every election in the country.”

He thanked ECES for supporting the training, as well as efforts in improving the electoral system both in organisation and management of elections in the country.

Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, the INEC National Commissioner and Chair, Legal Services Committee, said that the training and application of what had been learnt would lead to free, fair and credible elections.

“I have no doubt that the team of resource persons will do justice to the various topics in the training.

“At the end, the participants will be in a better position to strengthen our electoral process and also work for its perfection,’’ Agbamuche-Mbu said.

The training, which is being organised by ECES in collaboration with INEC, will last for two days.

More than 40 participants, drawn from INEC state offices in the zone and police commands, are participating in the training.

The five states within the South-East are Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. (NAN)

– Aug. 6, 2018 @ 15:22 GMT |

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